Is Constitutional Carry (Permitless Concealed Carry) Legal in Oregon? (2026)

ILLEGAL
Confidence: High

No — Constitutional Carry (Permitless Concealed Carry) is illegal in Oregon as of 2026.

Key Restriction
Age restriction: 21 years old for concealed handgun license
Penalty
Misdemeanor
Last Updated
2026-03-25

Law changed in 2022: Voters passed Measure 114 in 2022, which requires a permit-to-purchase, a safety course, and a background check for all firearm purchases. The measure is currently on hold due to legal challenges. In February 2026, the legislature passed a bill to bo...

Quick Answer

Oregon does not allow permitless concealed carry. A valid concealed handgun license is required under ORS 166.291. No constitutional carry law is in effect.

Key Conditions & Exceptions:
  • Age restriction: 21 years old for concealed handgun license

What the Law Says

ORS 166.291 requires a valid concealed handgun license for carrying a concealed firearm and does not permit constitutional carry. Unlawful carrying can result in misdemeanor charges.

Oregon Revised Statutes § 166.291
Category Details
Permitless Carry Rules Concealed carry requires a state-issued permit; carrying without one is illegal.
Permit Availability Sales require background checks and compliance with state and federal law.
Penalties Unlawful carrying can result in misdemeanor charges under ORS 166.291.
Minimum Age 21 years old for concealed handgun license
Pending Legislation None known
Recent Changes

Voters passed Measure 114 in 2022, which requires a permit-to-purchase, a safety course, and a background check for all firearm purchases. The measure is currently on hold due to legal challenges. In February 2026, the legislature passed a bill to bolster Measure 114 and increase permit fees, but the implementation date was later delayed to 2028.

Enforcement Reality

Oregon requires a permit for concealed carry and does not have constitutional carry. Enforcement is consistent, and the state has a well-established system for issuing permits through county sheriffs.

Charge Level
Misdemeanor
Enforcement Likelihood
High: Enforcement is consistent, and the state has a well-established system for issuing permits through county sheriffs.
Common Triggers
Carrying a concealed handgun without a valid permit.Openly carrying a firearm in a city or county that has prohibited it.Not understanding the requirements of Measure 114 (when it goes into effect) for purchasing firearms.
Common Mistakes

A common mistake is openly carrying a firearm in a city or county that has prohibited it, as local governments have the authority to regulate open carry. Another is not understanding the requirements of Measure 114, which, although currently on hold, will significantly change the process for purchasing firearms.

Local Exceptions

None identified. State law applies uniformly across Oregon. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.

Real-World Scenarios: Constitutional Carry (Permitless Concealed Carry) in Oregon

Can You Cross State Lines With Constitutional Carry (Permitless Concealed Carry) From Oregon?

This is where people get burned. Oregon treats constitutional carry (permitless concealed carry) as illegal, but neighboring Washington treats it as restricted. The law changes at the state line — not gradually, not with a warning sign, instantly. "I bought it legally" is not a defense in the new state. Interstate highways near the Oregon/Washington border are known enforcement corridors. If you're driving with out-of-state plates in a state where constitutional carry (permitless concealed carry) is illegal, you're a target.

Bottom Line

Constitutional Carry (Permitless Concealed Carry) is illegal in Oregon. This activity can result in criminal charges. Do not assume enforcement is lax — penalties are real. Consult a licensed attorney if you have specific questions.

Oregon vs. the Rest of the US

Across the US, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit is fully legal in 23 states, restricted in 14, and illegal in 13. Oregon falls in the ILLEGAL category.

View the full 50-state map →
EH
Ethan Harper Independent Legal Researcher

Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.

Last reviewed: 2026-03-25 Method: Statute cross-reference

Sources & Verification

2.
Statute Summary
ORS 166.291 requires a valid concealed handgun license for carrying a concealed firearm and does not permit constitutional carry. Unlawful carrying can result in misdemeanor charges.
Verified: 2026-03-25 Reviewed by: Ethan Harper Method: Statute cross-reference Confidence: High

This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

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